Internet Explorer HTTPS links problem between 2 applications on same host

[Axe75]

Hello

I have a very strange problem over I.E (version 6 and 7).

On one server we have apache listening HTTPS on port 443 (custom php app) and tomcat listening HTTPS on port 18443 (pentaho) and each web application have a link to the other.

Links from 443 to 18443 are working fine, but links from 18443 to 443 are not working and we get a "page cannot be displayed" response; after this first response, refreshing the page or simply hitting again the "go" button will display the page properly. Also writing the url directly in the address bar while staying in the 18443 application would not display the page within the first try, but will do within the second try.

the applications are reached using the ip of the host as it is an intranet environment.

On other browser as firefox everything works ok, but we must make it work on I.E.

Both sites certificate are not trusted but self-signed, would this be the problem?

Any advice is welcome.

[PeejAvery]

First off, it could be an actual bug in IE. If this is the case, then it won't be fixable on your end.

Second, why support the older browsers? I can understand wanting IE7 support, but not 6 (10 yrs old). Since IE is free, it's the client's fault if they're not willing to upgrade. Also, older browsers don't support current web standards.

[BioPhysEngr]

Aye, indeed. Even Microsoft is trying to phase-out IE6: http://ie6countdown.com/